The Library of Congress web site offers a treasure trove of poetry information, beginning with a quotation and link to a poem, “’This present tragedy will eventually turn into myth,..” Joyce Sutphen Read this poem’.” This particular poem is number 007 on former poet laureate Billy Collins’ list of 180 poems for students. The a poem a day for American high schools project was Collins’ contribution to supporting poetry during his tenure as Poet Laureate Consultant 2001-2003.
Poet Laureate
There are links to information about the current poet laureate, Donald Hall, plus links to each former poet laureate, offering useful and informative biographical sketches. Former laureates have been Stanley Kunitz, 2000-2001, Billy Collins, 2001-2003, Louise Glück, 2003-2004, Ted Kooser, 2004-2006. To find out how each laureate used his/her time as top American poet, read those sketches.
Presidential Poetry
Did you know that President John Tyler wrote poetry? To sample some of his poems, please visit Tyler as Poet. Abraham Lincoln and Jimmy Carter are also two former presidents who dabbled in poetry.
Featured Poetry Webcast
Another feature on the Poetry home page of the Library of Congress is a web cast. The current web cast feature is Poetry of Langston Hughesthe narrator is David Kresh.
Poetry News and Events
The Poetry News and Events section lists upcoming readings given by poets and others with poetry information to share. This section offers a link to even more scheduled events running currently from October to December 2006.
Prizes, Fellowships
This section offers information about the Bobbitt Nation Prize for Poetry and the Witter Bynner Fellowships. The Bobbitt prize is $10,000 for “the most distinguished book of poetry written by an American and published during the preceding two years.”
The Witter Bynner Fellowships are given to support and two poets in the poetry writing efforts. This section gives some fascinating information about the founder, Witter Bynner. Hint: Edna St. Vincent Millay and D. H. Lawrence. You’ll have to read it yourself to get the particulars.
The Poetry and Literature Center
In 1936, Archer M. Huntington began an endowment for the Chair of Poetry at the Library of Congress. The Poetry and Literature Center was formally established in the 1940s and has received continuous support from the late Gertrude Clarke Whittall. She wanted to support and encourage appreciation of good literature and help it spread to a wider audience.
Currently, the Poet Laureate’s office is located in the Poetry and Literature Center, which supports the activities and project of the laureate. The Center also make possible the public readings series of poetry and fiction, plus it sponsors lectures, dramatic performances, conference, and other poetry and literature related events.
Related Sources at the Library
Some of the related sources include Archive of Recorded Poetry and Literature, Walt Whitman Collection, and Creative Americans. Also among the related sources, you’ll find a gift shop offering poetry and literature related items: books, jewelry, caps, etc.
Like Visiting a Museum
The web site is overflowing with historical and current information about poetry. You can read, you can watch videos, you can search, you can ask a librarian, and you can even go shopping. It’s like visiting a museum—without leaving home.
